Manpreet Singh-led Indian team capable of winning 2018 Hockey World Cup: Dhanraj Pillay

New Delhi, March 21: Former India Hockey captain and legendary player Dhanraj Pillay feels the existing Indian team has a perfect balance of youth and experience which makes them one of the title favourites in the upcoming World Cup 2018.

Pillay, whose international career spanned around 15 years, believes the Men In Blue are being led by a capable leader in Manpreet Singh and an added advantage of playing on the home turf might just give them an edge in the quadrennial event.

Indian Hockey on right track:

Talking about the preparations of the Indian team during a Hockey India event in New Delhi, last month, ex-India forward said, "Indian hockey team is in right hands, they are headed in the right direction. One thing they need to keep in mind is their fitness throughout the world cup. Sometimes players tend to get too excited (after making it to the team) and stop focussing on their fitness."

"They have to be very serious about the instructions and the training our coaches and support staff are giving. The players must also try and take optimum precautions so that they do not get injured or fall ill," added Pillay, who played 339 international games and scored 170 goals in his career.

On why Indian teams over the years have not been able to perform well and where exactly do they lag behind when it comes to performing in the events like World Cups or Olympics.

"See even during my playing days, I used to highlight this fact that we just need to win just one medal at Olympics or at the World Cup and things wouldn't be the same for us. We last won an Olympic medal in 1980 and that inspired us as youngsters to take up hockey. We had a strong team when I was playing but unfortunately, we couldn't win a medal at Olympics or World Cups.

"The moment our team manages to clinch a medal in any of these two mega-events, we'll go right at the top. The perception of the public towards Indian Hockey will also change and the hockey players will also get the same amount of respect and admiration as cricketers. At present, India is ranked 6th in the FIH rankings. They need to win at least one medal at the global stage and things will turn around for Indian Hockey," added Pillay, who's the only player to have played four Olympics, four World Cups, four Champions Trophies and as many Asian Games.

When asked about India's chances in the upcoming Hockey World Cup, which will be held in Bhubaneswar in the month of November-December, the captain of India's 1998 Asian Games and 2003 Asia Cup winning sides said they have a bright chance of winning this time around as the home advantage might work in their favour.

"I am pretty confident that the team would do pretty well in the upcoming Hockey World Cup for we are going to play at home. Fans a Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar are going to come out for us in big numbers and we'll have them as our twelveth man. I am pretty sure we have a huge chance of making it to the top four hence we can win at least one medal this time around," added the Maharashtra-lad.

Manpreet reminds me of MS Dhoni:

As per the four-time Olympian, one more thing that comes in India's favour is the presence of a 'captain cool'.

"Our current Indian hockey team captain Manpreet Singh reminds of former Indian cricket team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Just like Dhoni, Manpreet too is very calm and composed on the field. In the last 10-12 years of his captaincy, I have hardly seen Dhoni taking credit for the team's success but whenever the team lost, Mahi used to take all the blame and shielded his players from criticism. I have observed similar qualities in Manpreet as well. He's one of coolest captains India has ever had," he added further.

Pillay also commended the efforts of Indian Hockey Federation (Hockey India) for taking care of the financial aspect of the players. The 49-year-old said the introduction of Hockey India League has ensured players could easily earn Rs 50-60 lakh per year. The cash-rich domestic tournament first started in 2013 and top players from the top teams have participated in the league.

"Hockey India took care of the financial aspect and ensured the players are paid well. Top players from all over the world easily get Rs 50-60 lakh in the auctions and it gives me immense pleasure to watch our top players drawing the bids of 100,000 USD in the auction. During my playing days, we never got such hefty amounts but the HIL opened up new doors for our players as they get to play with top players and also earn decently."

Indian Women's Hockey team would do well:

On the success and progress of the India Women's Hockey team, the former India captain said he has full faith in the present coach Harendra Singh, who himself has been a great hockey player.

"Not only he's a good friend of mine but I have also seen him working as a coach with the men's and the women's team. It is a challenging task for him to bring Indian women's hockey at the top and I have full faith in him," he signed off.

The Hockey Women's World Cup 2018 is scheduled to start between July 7 and 21 in London. Indian eves must be fancying their chances of doing good under their captain Rani Rampal.